In New Zealand, the death toll from the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch has risen to 49. The attacks also wounded more than 20 others. Prime Minister Justin de are Duran has placed New Zealand on a highest security threat level. Three men and one woman are now in police custody they're reported to hold extremist views but were not on any police watchlist. One gunman is from Australia and live stream the attack online. The government and police authorities condemned the terrorist attacks.
It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack from what we know it does appear to have been well planned. These are people who I would describe as having extremist views that have absolutely no place in New Zealand and in fact have no place in the world.
So far one person a male in his late 20s has been charged with murder and should appear in the Christchurch Court tomorrow morning. Three other people were apprehended we believe one of those persons who was armed and was at the scene may have had nothing to do with this incident. And the two other people that have been apprehended began in possession of firearms in the general environment we are working through to understand what their involvement is.